VISTAR Scheme 2026-31: Cabinet Approves ₹4,371.10 Crore for Statistical Transformation

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR) on 4 November 2026. The Central Sector Scheme will be implemented from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31 with an outlay of ₹4,371.10 crore. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, it aims to modernise India’s official statistical system through digital transformation, artificial intelligence, improved data governance and real-time statistical infrastructure.

Key Features of the VISTAR Scheme

The VISTAR Scheme will cover the statistical and data management activities of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It aims to establish a dynamic, future-ready statistical architecture with improved data timeliness, granular information, interoperability and harmonised, AI-ready datasets.

• Full Form: Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research
• Approved by: Union Cabinet
• Approval Date: 4 November 2026
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Implementation Period: FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31
• Total Outlay: ₹4,371.10 crore
• Long-term Vision: Viksit Bharat 2047
• Total Components: 3

Three Components of the VISTAR Scheme

The VISTAR Scheme has three major components covering national statistical operations, State-level statistical capacity and economic data collection.

1. Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem

This component focuses on to expanding national statistical operations and strengthening the country’s statistical ecosystem. MoSPI proposes conducting 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared with 43 major surveys conducted previously.

Major initiatives include,

• End-to-end digitalisation of statistical processes, including data collection, processing and dissemination.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into data processing, validation and analysis.
• Introduction of new statistical indicators, including the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises.
• Data harmonisation through data cataloguing, machine readability, interoperability and data-sharing protocols.
• Adoption of privacy-by-design principles for improved data governance.
• Integration of alternative data sources, including mobile phone, scanner and e-commerce data, to complement traditional surveys.
• Internship opportunities for students and research proposals from academic and research institutions.

2. Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS 2.0)

The Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) component aims to transform the statistical capabilities of the State and Union Territory Governments through the redesigned, deliverable-linked framework which is known as SSS 2.0.

Its major focus areas include,

• Strengthening State and UT statistical systems.
• Generating high-quality and granular data at district and other disaggregated levels.
• Developing indigenous data-processing capabilities.
• Supporting district-level and million-plus city-level estimates in flagship national surveys.
• Improving State and District Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimation.
• Supporting the compilation of State-level Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

The component will provide technical support for generating more detailed estimates under three major national surveys:

Full Form of Abbreviation

• PLFS: Periodic Labour Force Survey
• HCES: Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
• ASUSE: Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises

3. Economic Census (EC)

Under this component, MoSPI will undertake the 8th Economic Census in collaboration with State and Union Territory Governments.

The Economic Census will collect detailed information about non-farm establishments and the workers employed in them, covering geographical areas up to the Gram Panchayat and Ward levels.

Its major objectives include,

• Generating granular data on non-farm establishments and their economic activities.
• Assessing the size and structure of the unorganised sector.
• Developing a baseline for the National Statistical Business Register (SBR).
• Facilitating targeted enterprise surveys and strategic policy interventions.
• Improving the estimation of the unorganised sector’s contribution to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

New Statistical Indicators Under the VISTAR Scheme

MoSPI plans to introduce new statistical measures to improve the coverage and understanding of different sectors of the Indian economy.

Two proposed indicators are,

1. Headline Index of Services Production: A proposed statistical indicator intended to strengthen the measurement of activity in the services sector.

2. Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises: A proposed indicator focusing on economic activity among unincorporated enterprises.